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Former Hounds, Current @DCUnited GM Dave Kasper Elected Into WPA Sports HOF #PghSoccer

kasper

Dave Kasper


Touting one of the most accomplished soccer careers of any to come out of the Pittsburgh area – Dave Kasper – has been named to the Western Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2017.  The current General Manager of Major League Soccer’s DC United will be formally inducted into the Hall of Fame on May 6.
For the past 15 years, Kasper has been with the United, where he has won five major trophies.
Prior to his successful tenure with the United, Kasper has a vast array of soccer experiences as a player, coach and front office executive.
 
A Chartiers Valley High School graduate, Kasper’s roots in the game go back to his days playing for club teams in Chartiers Valley and with Beadling Soccer Club, and as a standout in PA West’s ODP teams.
Kasper became a standout forward at the University of Maryland, earning All-ACC honors while also serving as a member of the U-20 U.S. Men’s National Team.
He played professionally for the Milwaukee Wave (1989-90) and the Pittsburgh Stingers (1990-94) and transitioned to become Duquesne University’s first-ever head coach of its men’s program.
Kasper was named as the first-ever vice president and general manager of the Pittsburgh Riverhounds in 1998 (USL-1).  The following year, Kasper led the organization to the playoffs and to “Organization of the Year” honors in a season when the Hounds averaged 4,178 fans a game at Bethel Park High School Stadium.
With his success in the Hounds inaugural season, Kasper caught the attention of Major League Soccer teams.    First, he went to work for the New England Revolution as the Director of Business Development.
In 2002, the DC United came calling and Kasper moved back to the area near his college alma mater, becoming the Red and Black’s Technical Director.  In 2007 he was promoted to become the team’s general manager.
In 15 years total with one of MLS most successful franchises, Kasper has been a part of winning an MLS Cup, two Supporter’s Shields and two Lamar Hunt  U.S. Open Cup titles.
In 2016, he was named to the Virginia-D.C. Soccer Hall of Fame.
 

John Krysinsky has covered soccer and other sports for many years for various publications and media outlets. He is also author of 'Miracle on the Mon' -- a book about the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, which chronicles the club, particularly the early years of Highmark Stadium with the narrative leading up to and centered around a remarkable match that helped provide a spark for the franchise. John has covered sports for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, DK Pittsburgh Sports, Pittsburgh Sports Report, has served as color commentator on Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC broadcasts, and worked with OPTA Stats and broadcast teams for US Open Cup and International Champions Cup matches held in the US. Krysinsky also served as the Head Men’s Soccer Coach at his alma mater, Point Park University, where he led the Pioneers to the first-ever winning seasons and playoff berths (1996-98); head coach of North Catholic boys (2007-08), associate head coach of Shady Side Academy boys (2009-2014).

Glory on the Grass

Riverhounds MF Kenardo Forbes

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